In the days
leading up to the cross Jesus’ teaching became alarming to his family. It was so disturbing his mother and brothers
attempted an intervention. When they
arrived to try to “talk Jesus down from the ledge” Christ used the occasion to
teach the crowd about eternal relationships.
He said, when you are obedient to God’s will you’re part of his household.
Earlier Jesus had set the
tone for this, teaching that when you choose to follow him there would not only
be opposition from the devil and this world’s selfish system, but it would
divide families as well.[1] In this case it started with Jesus’ own
family.
Sadly enough, it’s that way
even in the church family.
There will be many fewer
people attending Good Friday night services in the land than Easter
morning. That’s because the cross, sin,
darkness and death are, quite frankly, downers!
Who wants to dwell there? It
hardly fits with our sanctified view of what many people want in a God.
We prefer resurrection
morning, lilies, new dresses, white shoes and hats, and a stirring choir
presentation at church – that’s Easter, right?
Oh, and don’t forget those wonderful family gatherings for dinner. Easter brings us together….
…or not?
Now, don’t misread this – I love
resurrection morning, but you can’t get to the empty tomb unless you go first
to the cross and death and pain and darkness.
And that’s what Jesus meant
by dividing people; you don’t get to be part of the Father’s household without
doing the Father’s will. For Jesus that
issue was settled, and expressed in Gethsemane:
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are
possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I
will, but what thou wilt. Mark 14:36 (KJV)
It is in bending your will
to the will of the Father that makes you Jesus’ brother.
A popular thought I have
heard throughout my life is: follow
your heart. Well, that’s a good
thought for a believer, if your heart is surrendered
to the will of the Father.
Today…for you
Where is your “heart”
telling you to travel today? To what are
you giving your allegiance? Does the
pathway your heart desires create an intervention?
Is it an intervention against
the cross? Or are you allowing the cross
to intervene in your will and choices?
This is not an issue for a
believer to stand on the sidelines and watch.
Nevertheless…not my will….can you pray that prayer?
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